How to Master the Final Round of Job Interviews

You have come a long way in your job interview. The phone screening and meeting with recruiters and staff are a thing of the past. Now, you are going into your final job interview. So far, you made no mistakes. Yes, you have a legitimate shot at getting hired! So, do not blow it!

Companies do not set up final round interviews to go through the motions with job candidates. We explain how you can be the master of your next final round job interview.

Never assume the job is in the bag

You should be proud and acknowledge how much you appreciate the company’s time spent interviewing you. However, this is not the time to let off the gas and start acting like the job is yours. You should take this interview just as serious and with every ounce of professionalism that you did for your phone screening. You must continue to sell yourself as the right choice for the job. It is not the time to get cocky.

Review previous interview details for yourself

Make sure you have the details of previous interviews in your mind or in front of you. More than likely, previous topics from job interviews will come up again. You want to be able to reply effectively to interview questions previously discussed.

Dress appropriately for your industry

All industries have a form of “dress code culture”. Some industries are more casual while others demand suits and ties.

However, do not overdo it. You are still trying to leave a good impression. Avoid clothes that go too far and just make you look like either a slob or someone who is clueless about the industry’s dress code. Dress like you deserve the job.

Bring extra resumes, required documents, and references

Depending on your career level, some final round interviews may ask you to do presentations. If you are asked to do powerpoint presentations, do not rely on the company to have all the computers you need for you. Take the initiative and handle it yourself.

At times, unexpected people will show up to interviews, which will require handing out more resumes. References are important, too. Make sure that your references are available that day, just in case the company wants to speak with them during the final interview, or after.

Keep your energy up!

After many job interviews, your mind starts to wonder exactly why the company just does not hire you. The problem with thinking this way is that it often leads to “RNT”s (random negative thoughts). These are the random negative thoughts that pop into a person’s head for no reason whatsoever. Unfortunately, this can lead to the feeling that one should just give up and confidence is lost for the job interview.

You cannot let this happen. You have to keep your energy up and never carry yourself in any way that looks like you are giving up. If you do start to sound like this interview is all too much to handle and think, “Why bother? It should not be this hard,” the people interviewing you will see it.

Ask the bigger and more important additional questions

Think about it. You have been interviewing for a while now and you have some awareness of the company’s goals. This is not the time to ask those scripted, basic questions like, “What are our company’s long-term goals?”

Keep cool and follow-up when it is done

Idle time is the devil’s playground! The wait will kill you a bit and you may be tempted to call and ask what they decided. Instead, follow-up with a “Thank you” letter for their time and make one last mention of your skills and accomplishments.

Companies take time to make final decisions and put offers together. If you are not contacted immediately, do not worry. You made it to the final round of an interview, so someone is going to get back to you with the company’s decision!

The FMP Contributor

The FMP Contributor is the daily publication of Find My Profession. Your #1 career advice resource.

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